NBA Veteran Jason Collins Undergoing Treatment for Brain Tumor
Jason Collins, a veteran of 13 seasons in the NBA across six different franchises, is currently receiving medical attention for a brain tumor, according to a public announcement made by his family on Thursday, September 11.
“NBA Ambassador and 13-year NBA veteran Jason Collins is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor,” the family’s statement confirmed. “Jason and his loved ones appreciate your well wishes and prayers, and respectfully request privacy as they concentrate on Jason’s recovery and health.”
Now 46 years old, Collins was initially selected by the Houston Rockets with the 18th pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, though he was quickly traded to the then New Jersey Nets on draft night. He remained with the Nets until 2008, at which point he was moved to the Memphis Grizzlies. Collins' career also included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Washington Wizards before he concluded his playing days with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014.
"Sending our love and support to @jasoncollins98 and his family," the Nets conveyed through their social media channels on Thursday.
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“Our thoughts are with our friend and colleague, Jason Collins, and his family,” read a message posted by the NBA on X.
Collins gained widespread recognition as the first openly gay player in NBA history, and the first active male athlete to come out in any of the four major American professional sports leagues.
"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay,” he famously declared in a 2013 essay published in Sports Illustrated.
In the same essay, Collins revealed his choice of jersey number, No. 98, was a tribute to Matthew Shepard, the University of Wyoming student whose 1998 murder spurred efforts to enact federal hate crime legislation inclusive of gay individuals.
At the time of his announcement, while playing for the Nets, Collins received an outpouring of encouragement and support from across the league.
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"Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue,” then-NBA commissioner David Stern remarked in a statement following the news.
“Proud of @jasoncollins34,” the late Kobe Bryant shared on Twitter, now known as X. “Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU”
“So proud of you, Jason Collins!” former First Lady Michelle Obama added. “This is a huge step forward for our country. We've got your back! -mo”
Before his public announcement, Collins was in a lengthy relationship with former WNBA player Carolyn Moos. The couple had been engaged but ended their engagement in 2009. Collins is set to marry his longtime partner, film producer Brunson Green, in May 2025.
